Large artery stiffness and endothelial function testing - A practical solution CardioTrack was developed specifically for the professional who demands a quick and practical solution for the assessment of large artery stiffness and endothelial function. This 'next generation' CardioTrack is designed for use in clinical practice, to aid early detection, treatment, and management of cardio-vascular disease.   Arterial Stiffness Measurement The CardioTrack estimates large artery stiffness from the pulse waveform obtained at the finger (digital volume pulse: DVP) with an infra-red sensor (photoplethysmography). It is extremely easy to use, operator independent and is very well accepted as a routine measurement by the patient. The speed at which the pulse travels along the arterial tree is directly related to arterial stiffness. Measuring the time it takes for the pulse waves to travel through the arterial system provides a simple but accurate way of measuring arterial stiffness. The shape of the volume waveform in the finger is directly related to the time it takes for the pulse waves to travel through the arterial tree. This very important observation is used by the CardioTrack and makes it a powerful non-invasive tool for the assessment of vascular changes. The Clinical Value of Arterial Stiffness Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Arterial stiffness is a measure of target organ damage indicating the need for lifestyle and drug intervention The DVP waveform is independent of local changes of the vasculature but determined by large artery stiffness (estimated by SI) and vascular tone (estimated by RI). SI is highly correlated with PWV, as shown below, and RI is determined by the systemic vascular tone Endothelial Function Measurement. The DVP waveform is also very sensitive to the vascular tone of the whole arterial tree. CardioTrack automatically analyses the finger pulse to determine a measure of arterial stiffness and a measure of vascular tone. The change in the DVP waveform in response to an endothelial dependant vasodilator such as salbutamol (albuterol) can be used to assess endothelium function. Salbutamol can be administered using an inhaler making this a very simple test to perform in the clinic or at the bedside. The CardioTrack uses a high fidelity photo-plethysmography transducer with signal conditioning circuit to obtain an extremely accurate and noise free signal of the DVP waveform. This is a simple non-operator dependent measurement, which is well tolerated by the subject. In addition, a unique control system maintains the light transmission at the optimum level to accurately follow blood volume changes, independent of the subject's finger size. The many advanced features include; a high-resolution touch sensitive colour display giving real time blood volume pulse waveforms; signal averaging with advanced rejection/acceptance criteria; and user customisation of many of the analysis parameters. The CardioTrack measurements may be reviewed at the time, during the test, or at a later date from memory, which can hold up to 10,000 test results including the waveform. The unit can be connected to the USB port of a PC running PCA 2-Upload software. This allows the database including the waveforms to be uploaded to a PC for viewing, storage, report generation, data trending and export to other applications. Main Features Minimal user training is needed to obtain clinically valid results Well tolerated by the subject Fast sequential measurements Self contained and highly portable At least 4hrs battery life Complete with all accessories in a sturdy case Normal range and vascular age estimate display Ectopic beats and artefact rejection PC software for uploading, managing and printing results with customisable printout formats Key Users Hypertension Specialists and Cardiologists with an interest in Hypertension (or Hypertension/Stress Clinics where they exist): Risk Stratification, early detection of changes in the endothelium, treatment planning and drug studies. Diabetic Clinics and Diabetolgist: Monitor vascular disease, risk stratification, treatment planning and drug studies. Cardiovascular Drug Trials and epidemiological studies. CardioTrack 'PCA 2 Upload' Software The CardioTrack utilities software, PCA 2 Upload, included with all CardioTrack PCA 2 systems is an Access database application that allows you to upload and store your results and waveforms from your CardioTrack unit on your PC. PC Upload allows you to quickly and easily locate and view the results of a particular patient thanks to its powerful search facility. It also allows you to effectively manage your data including generating customised reports, and export results to other applications.   Technical Specifications Measurements: Averages the digital volume pulse waveforms over a user defined time period (factory default of 10seconds) and will automatically increase the time when not enough 'valid' pulse waveforms have been identified. The number of valid pulses required is user defined. Automatically rejects wave forms with; low amplitude, variable pulse period e.g. ectopic beats, arrhythmias, and when artefact or noise is present. Waveform is visible in real time during sample collection period. The points used in the calculations are marked on the waveform, when a 'spot-check' test is performed, as follows: first peak, systolic inflection point if present and second peak or inflection point if present. Predicted Values: Calculates and displays • Number of valid waveforms and total waveforms detected. • Time from systolic inflection point (if present) or first peak to second peak or inflection point (PPT) • Stiffness Index (SI) defined as the subjects height divided by PPT (only displayed if subjects height has been entered) • Reflection Index (RI) defined as the height of the second peak or inflection point divided by the height of the first peak. • Heart Rate Normal SI range for subject age - Various depending on national preference Vascular age estimate Test Modes: 'Spot-check' and automated x3 test protocol Tests Per Session: Up to 10 complete tests can be stored per measurement session Transducer: Precision photoplethysmographic finger probe Display: Touch screen graphic colour LCD 240x160 pixels Power Supply: Input 100-240V 50-60Hz, Output DC 12v 2.5A Battery Pack: Rechargeable NIMH 8.4VV 1000mA-hours Battery Life: 4 hours or more on a full charge Dimensions: 25.5 x 12.0 x 3.5cm. Transducer 2.0 x 2.0 x 6.0cm Weight: 630g Excluding any transducer Operating Temperature: 0 to +40 degrees C Operating Humidity: 30% to 90% RH Storage Temperature: 0 to +70 degrees C Standards: Type B device, CE approved (Directive 93/42/EEC) Environment: Complies with directive EN60601-1-2 electromagnetic compatibility Price: £2,695.00 Plus VAT & Shipping (For Payment Via Wire Transfer - Credit Card Payment Add 5% Surcharge) [ Home ]   [ Specifications ]   [ Theory ]   [ Papers ]